Model Kit, Rocket, Saturn V, 1:96

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

This Saturn V model kit was built and sold by Revell, Inc. The Saturn V was the world's largest operational launch vehicle and first launched a piloted Apollo spacecraft in December 1968 when the crew of Apollo 8 were placed into lunar orbit. In July 1969 the rocket sent astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edward Aldrin, Jr. of Apollo 11 to the surface of the Moon while Michael Collins remained in lunar orbit. Saturn V was utilized in the remaining six Apollo missions to the moon during 1969-1972 and to launch the Skylab Orbital Workshop into Earth orbit in May 1973.The illustration on the cover of the unassembled model kit appealed to prospective buyers with photography of the model that emphasized its size and accuracy. This model was found in the collection.